Running Game Most Important 2013 Factor for Washington Redskins

By Andy Schmidt

Daniel Shirey-USA TODAY Sports

The Washington Redskins were the best rushing team in the NFL last season, averaging 169.3 yards per game. There are questions already leading into the 2013 season about how quickly quarterback Robert Griffin III can recover and if he will be available in Week 1, and there is also the question of whether or not Alfred Morris can match his rookie season of 1,613 yards. Those two things will make Washington either sink or swim this season.

The injury to Griffin can be blamed on him trying to do too much as much as how bad the field was. I know we saw Adrian Peterson return from an ACL tear this past season and dominate the game again, but I don’t think Griffin will be able to get back for Week 1. It is more likely that we see him in Week 3 or even after the team’s bye week. I know that won’t sit well with Redskins fans, but you can’t push Griffin in this situation.

Morris, on the other hand, will have to carry the offense if Griffin does miss some time. He showed a lot of potential last season, and I think he could very easily get back around 1,500 yards this coming season. I’m sure many people worry about the old sophomore slump happening with him. While I have those fears about some players, I don’t feel that way about Morris. If Griffin does miss a week or two, I don’t think it hurts Morris that much honestly. He is well on his way to another big season. It was the strength of the Redskins last season to run, and I think they will be doing it well again in 2013.

Andy Schmidt is a columnist/writer for RantSports. Follow him on Twitter @ASchmidtSports, like his Facebook page or add him to your network on Google.